Huge kudos to a small but hugely talented team led by Phil and Mark who put together this beautiful wedding high up in the msasas on a fierce slope with a twinkling heart and a breath-taking view.

Leighanne and David were married on the shores of the beautiful Mazvikadei dam in Mashonaland West in Zimbabwe.  Bird calls and dappled sunlight filled the garden as the bridal parties got ready in neighbouring homes overlooking a broody but beautiful dam which mirrored a sky which was trying to decide whether to storm or shine. In the end, the Northern Mashonaland skies chose to grace the day with an impressive amount of rain for this late in the season – delivered almost precisely as the ceremony came to a close, and with the first whispers of dramatic weather beginning as Leighanne and her bridesmaids came across to the ceremony by boat. The elements certainly joined forces to provide a little bit of drama for the bride’s arrival – a steely blue sky framing her entrance in the boat and the wind picked up her veil as she alighted.

As the ceremony finished and canapés began, the heavens opened but not a moment of merriment was dampened for the guests – an impressive amount who flew in from all over the world to share the celebration with the newlyweds. Things hadn’t gone to plan but there was wine and cheese and cosy quarters to catch up with old friends –  and make new ones. We did the family pictures in record time (and cheerfulness)  as the rain gently fell on everyone’s shoulders and the light steadily faded. Then it was on to the boat for the couples’ photos.  

The shower continued and Leighanne and David were game enough to do a quick shoot in in the rain before it got a little too wet for comfort. And then a rustic half-built cottage on the lake shore provided a welcome shelter from the downpour which had increased its tempo.  We didn’t have sun but there was a quiet peacefulness to being marooned in a small but dry space in a Zimbabwean thunderstorm while the rain beat down on the tin roof, mice scampered in the thatch at our feet and the wind kept up its steady pace. We made the most of the rustic arches and the gorgeous white light being reflected off the walls and before we knew it, it was time to head back to the party.

As luck would have it, precisely as the couple entered the reception, the sky actually cleared and it was time for an absolutely beautiful wedding on an open-air wooden deck especially crafted for the occasion. The evening ambience were spectacular and refreshingly different – twinkling fairy lights stretched from the deck up to the msasas towering above us and with no formal seating, guests cruised from tables to sofas, and gathered around the couple as speeches and dancing ensued.

Leighanne and David – thank you for trusting me with documenting your special day. Enjoy these, just a small selection from the photos which hopefully do the day justice.